Former SMU Athletic Director Jim Copeland Passes Away

Former SMU Athletic Director Jim Copeland died on June 4 at his home in Charlottesville, Virginia, at the age of 65 after a long battle with cancer.

Copeland, who was inducted into the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics Hall of Fame as part of its 2009 class, was an NACDA past president and served as a director of athletics at four institutions over the course of his career – SMU, Virginia, Utah and William & Mary.

“I greatly enjoyed working with Jim Copeland as a professional and as a friend,” said SMU President R. Gerald Turner. “He played a key role in advancing our athletics program, leading transitions in conference membership, and planning and opening new facilities, including Ford Stadium and the Loyd All-Sports Center, that have been critical in bringing us where we are today. He will be greatly missed, and I know the University community joins me in sending thoughts and prayers to his family.”